The 11th Annual New River Blues Festival Returns to the River House Inn in Grassy Creek on Sunday Sept. 1

Published Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 9:59 am

by Becky Petchenik

July 31, 2013 For one day only, the River House Inn in scenic Grassy Creek will host the 11th Annual New River Blues Festival on Sunday, Sept. 1. World-class blues musicians from across the country will gather on the banks of the New River to present a one-of-a-kind bluegrass and old-time roots musical event.

Gates will open at noon with the first performers taking the stage at 1 p.m. and continuing on until 6 p.m. For $15 in advance or $18 at the gate, guests can enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the inspired talents of Gaye Adegbalola, Doctor Dixon, Ironing Board Sam, The King Bees & Friends and more.

Coolers and pets are prohibited, but food and beverages, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and umbrellas as the seating is lawn only and the event will go on rain or shine.

For as accommodations, the New River Inn, the site of the performance, and the Hampton Inn in West Jefferson are highly recommended.

The New River Blues Festival pays homage to the greatest in the blues genre. Throughout the years, the festival has given a platform for musicians of all walks to come and share their gifts to the High Country.

Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville and Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni of the internationally acclaimed blues band, The King Bees, are responsible for organizing and presenting the event. Baskerville and Zamagni have cultivated an atmosphere of culture and relaxation in sleepy Grassy Creek, and over the years their festival has rivaled the bigger and more well known blues festivals across the country and Europe.

The current lineup is Doctor Dixon, Ironing Board Sam, Gaye Adegbalola, Big Iron Hunter, The King Bees & Friends and many more. Follow these links for more information, tickets and directions.